Delay in batting powerplay was costly

LAHORE - The vice captain of Pakistan cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq has finally admitted that the decision to delay the batting powerplay was a big mistake in the semi-final of the World Cup against India at Mohali. Misbah was quoted by website as saying: “We planned to take batting powerplay after building partnership and some momentum but we lost wickets on regular intervals which halted our progress and I was left with tail-enders to finish the match. If we took the batting powerplay at right time, the result could have been in our favour.”

“Afridi and I were planning to take the batting powerplay after Harbhajan’s over but unfortunately Afridi lost his wicket in that over which forced us to change our plan. There is always pressure in big matches and wickets are vital in the run chase but we failed to build partnerships which cost us the world cup. Wahab Riaz bowled exceptionally well and it was a great spell to watch but its hard luck for him that his performance went in vain,” Misbah added.

Misbah praised the selection committee’s decision to induct new talent in the team for the tour of West Indies and termed it is a great opportunity for the players to prove their talent at highest level. “This is a great opportunity for players like Hammad Azam, Salman, Usman and others to cement their place in the national team. I will try my level best to win the Test series against the West Indies and resurrect the fans’ confidence on the team,” he added.